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How Do You Get to Carnegie Hall?
Carnegie Hall has been on my bucket list for years and years. My last trip to NYC was the just before covid travel restrictions began. Since then, I've only travelled locally and never by plane.
I will be here for 3 nights. More details to come! I'm staying at the Carnegie Hotel, so my aged knees will simply cross the street for music. Wine served from 5 to 6. Cheese and crackers eaten, not shown. 😇 Very cute center pieces are musical and cute. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...a61cce642a.jpg |
I was wondering where you were off to. Have a wonderful time.
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Have a great time! I hope you enjoy some great performances.
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I hope that you have a great trip and look forward to the report.
The Russian Tea Room is a real institution and might be a good place to eat a meal. |
Thanks WFD friends, and a special one to Moderator Katherine for getting me logged back on.
Vt, thanks also for the the Russian Tea Room suggestion; I actually had a tea there on a previous J S Sargent visit. Ok, the hotel is The Carnegie Hotel, 160 West 56th St. It is across the street from the Carnegie Hall stage door! A short walk to the 7th Ave. front entrance. https://www.thecarnegiehotel.com/ "Free" coffee and water dispensers are in a smallish breakfast/reception room. Free wine was winding down when I arrived so I quickly unpacked before getting my usual bed shot. The online photo shows my superior queen room with the bed made. Everything is sleek and modern. There are plenty of electronic and electrical outlets. Unless you have scads of things to charge, I don't think you need power strip. On one side of the room, you'll find a built in desk, bureau, luggage rack, tv, and some narrow shelves: https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...243cbf60d4.jpg Walls throughout are covered with (manipulated) close-up photos of musical instruments: https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...4730059713.jpg Shower has a wand and caged shower products: https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...3c3dc19d8d.jpg Breakfast next! |
Welcome back TDudette.
. You forgot the standard NYC answer on How to get to Carnegie Hall - practice. |
It's actually practice, practice, practice! 😁 Thanks nycguy!
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This is going to be a great TR!
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We are thinking of staying at the Carnegie Hotel for our next trip so I am glad to hear it sounds like OK. Have fun!
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Ask for a quiet room, KTravel as some reviews complained about street noise. Here is my view; who had asked for water collectors?
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...8ca689d903.jpg OK, the breakfast room is the same as the one where the wine was served. Machines dispense water, apple, apple/mango, and oj; and coffees of all sorts. Cappuccinos came out pretty well several times. Chafing dish contains cheese omelets that look too perfect. Another case with all sorts of baked goods, and a station for cereals: Cap, oj, omelet, pain chocolate get a C for the eggs, B+ for rest: https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...870d2e686d.jpg |
First stop is Mood Fabrics:
https://www.moodfabrics.com/?utm_sou...ampaign=GMB-NY An easy bus trip straight down 7th Ave. Although you take an elevator to the store, there are stairs! I didn't ask about another elevator. A fun entrance: https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...f4323a0fa3.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...00aa479da2.jpg And a jaw-dropping view of some cottons: https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...2bb3bba36a.jpg After browsing and making a purchase, I walked over to 8th Street and hailed a cab. Back in time to go to Will Call at Carnegie Hall (CH) for tonight's Chochieva piano performance. I also got a ticket for violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter tomorrow. Lunch at Souvlaki GR next door to the hotel. I had a gyro and a red wine, WISHES ERATINES, that had a bit of a peppery after taste. Gave it and the gyro a C. My stamina is poor so I'm splurging on taxis. Back to the room to rest. |
In keeping with ease of walking, I made online dinner reservations at Trattoria dell'Arte:
https://www.trattoriadellarte.com/ Although my gorgeous server Jason suggested os so buco, I went with the petit Dover sole with asparagus: https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...eebff75776.jpg The sole was very good but the two asparagus spears were too chunky. One glass of Brunello red was nursed because of the price. Dessert was one of the best tiramisu ever: https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...14a398ad17.jpg Jason suggested that I return soon and reserve a table for the two of us....this was before I was to decide about his tip...😁 |
On to Carnegie Hall (CH)! Tonight's performance is in the Well Recital (WRH) whose location is around the block and 6 doors down from the CH main entrance. One takes an elevator and finds a waiting lounge with coffee and beverage bars.
Stair alert to the balcony which is my general preference for pianists: https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...8b133b8972.jpg The WRH is more intimate than the Stern Auditorium (SA). But large enough for three huge chandeliers. Walls have carved reliefs: https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...583f8f7184.jpg Ms. Zlata Chochieva played without any sheet music for almost 2 hours. Her two encores were well-deserved. Back to the room to read and crash. A lovely day. |
Found it! Nautiker was the NYC traveler looking for rooftop rainwater collectors. I PMed him.
The same breakfast and I took a second cappuccino to the room to catch up on email and post. The shower has both an overhead rain shower and a hand-held wand. Plenty of hot water although I prefer a shower head closer to my body. In keeping with the Carnegie theme, I had lunch at the nearby Carnegie Diner. Spinach pie, salad, sweet potato fries,and coffee got a C. Why would one need a steak knife for a pie? https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...20029ff7ed.jpg Because the crust, though tasty, was semi-rock like. Great service. There was a plate filled with fruit-covered pancakes at the next table... come to this chain for a big breakfast! Back to the room to rest and decide about dinner. Great fun memories of Ellen's Stardust Diner. Stay tuned... |
I am really enjoying this! "Stay tuned...." Ha!
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Enjoying your report. The entry of Mood is very creative. Love the water tank picture.
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I'm enjoying your report so much. I dragged my husband to Mood when Project Runway was popular as I was a fan. He ended up really enjoying taking photos of the colorful fabrics and I purchased a few tiny items. I'm looking forward to your next posts and hope you find some better restaurants.
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Too bad about the Carnegie Diner meal. I am always annoyed when I have a bad meal in NYC because you know that there is so much good food nearby.
When I went into the city from suburban CT with my mother we always ate at one of the restaurants recommended in a book called The Underground Gourmet. Or at the automat across from Grand Central Terminal. |
What do you mean, chunky asparagus? Undercooked? The size looked good to me.
The halls are beautiful. Many years ago I had to negotiate our first trip to see the Rockettes. DH wouldn't go if he had to drive so we joined a bus tour for a single overnight. I'm not sure how much he enjoyed the dancing and the Rockettes themselves but he loved the theater and the way the stage could change which I think was based on elevators used on aircraft carriers or vice versa. What are you going to do with the fabric you bought? |
Thanks gomiki and Paqngo.
KTravel , it's such a huge store, I have a new respect for Project Runway contestants. Clerk said filming for the next series was to start Thursday. Did you happen to pass a store with nothing but trims? Vt, I haven't looked for those restos, but did the Automat come back? I love the idea of it. I like thinner and less crunchy aspa, dfrostnh. Staging is very creative.... bet your DH would be great at it. |
Thanks for taking us along on your NY trip.
Looking forward to more. |
TDudette -- the last NYC automat closed in 1991 but there is a young entrepreneur who is hoping to bring back the automat in Philly soon. I will alert you if I see that one is opening!
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Seeing the automat in the old movies makes me more nostalgic. Thanks, Vttraveler.
Same breakfast on Thursday. After a little walk around the hood, I decided to save my feet and knees and not go to Ellen's. Spent the afternoon organizing and packing. The Redeye Grill is near and online the menu looks fine: https://www.redeyegrill.com/ There are two inviting fish dishes on the menu. Waiter and I settle on salmon instead of branzino only because the latter is an entire fish. As you can see, the asparagus was thinner! Salmon delish. That white puddle is a cauliflower mixture that got an A. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e34c4d0f44.jpg I forgot to note that last night's resto was dark and club like; Redeye is more modern but still warm with leather banquette seating. Poor shot of wall with sushi bar, and a bar bar that stretches along one wall. I'll look for a better picture. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...313c82db12.jpg On to Carnegie Hall again! Here's a link for good pix: redeye grill photos |
I forgot to write that on the way to Mood, passing the theatre showing the Clooney opening gave me pause. Could I get a ticket?? Instead, I went to CH box office where I snagged an open spot for Ann-Sophie Mutter recital that night, then went to the Greek restaurant that is right next door to the hotel.
This evening's performance is in the Stern Auditorium. The piano looked much lonelier on this larger stage than on the Weill Recital Hall one. Indeed, an extra (?) microphone hangs on the stage. Both Ms. Mutter and her long-time pianist, Lambert Orkis, were superb. Ms. Mutter commissioned and presented "Likoo" a piece about loss by Aftab Darvishi. Its melancholy was touching. As I returned to the hotel, I thought about the history of CH...how it could have been demolished. If you are interested: https://www.carnegiehall.org/Explore...-Carnegie-Hall And so for bed! ******* The next morning I grabbed a cap and pain chocolate, and said farewell to the hotel. An easy one minute walk to 7th Ave. and a bank of cabs and I'm homeward bound. Be Sure To Say Amtrak! Amtrak Moynihan Hall is new and nice. Worker says built within the last four years. Taxi driver, King Ken per his card, left me at 33rd St, turning left off 8th Ave. Nice station! There are signs for a lower level Food Hall and shopping. Electronic arrival/departure signs abound. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...7117f10387.jpg A ticketed waiting area occupies a good portion of one wall. Lots of charging stations and banquette seats that look uncomfortable but I think there are charging outlets beneath. Anyone know? Nice restrooms attached to ticketed waiting area would keep others out? Per cab driver, upper level is the remaining post office that previously occupied the site. In my shot you can see the Food Hall sign. Also Note Long Island Rail Road Sign! I didn't think of it at the time but am not sure of the logistics of getting to Penn Station proper from this new station. Huge line for the train home. I entered the first car after business class, and it turned out to be Quiet Car. My slow walk and obvious age caused no stir when I sat in a handicapped seat. The conductor didn't query so I didn't have to show my collection of asthma artillery. Amtrak has wi-fi....new? Next and finally, I'll add up expenses so you can decide if it was worth the splurge to go to Carnegie Hall. |
There is a fair amount of artwork by noted artists in Moynihan Hall. It is easy to get to the LIRR as you just follow the signs. Same with the new Grand Central Madison station.
Wifi on Amtrak not new, has been around for several years. |
Moynihan hall is a nice upgrade from what was the previous Amtrak waiting area, but there are basically no seating unless you have an amtrak ticket, I suppose to keep unhoused people away. There is not enough seating in the ticketed area however, esp on holiday weekends. Or if there is a delayed train, then you have additional passengers waiting in that small space. and yes, I think there are plenty of electical outlets in the seating area, but there are also outlets on the train.
Am glad you had a nice time at Carnegie Hall. I finally realized you had just missed my favorite group, the Danish String Quartet, by one day. They had their concert at CH on Friday evening. |
Thanks about the art, Madam397; here's a link:
https://moynihantrainhall.nyc/discover/art/ LIRR looked quite direct, but can one get to Penn Station directly? Interesting about weekend/holiday overcrowding, yk. I didn't see any seating outside that ticketed waiting area on that level...people on the floor. |
Thanks for the report, TDudette. I am glad that you had a good trip.
I have fond memories of going to Carnagie Hall many years ago for concerts of the New York Choral Society. We had great seats because our friend, Robert DeCormier, was the director. |
Lovely report. Whatever the cost, it was worth it I'm sure.
Have to agree with TDudette that the asparagus was chunky. Growing up we had family with an asparagus farm--the only way to eat green asparagus is pencil-thin. Have to disagree with TDudette on the whole Branzino. Loved, loved, loved when I would find whole Zander (Trout) on Austrian menus. DD and I saw Anne-Sophie Mutter at the Kennedy Center. Just fabulous. |
Thank you for the great report. It sounds like you had fun and I took notes for our upcoming trip.
I agree with you and fourfortravel - thin asparagus is by far the best asparagus! |
Tdudette,
Great trip report (and great photos too). Sounds like you had a fun time. I want to address a comment you made - "I didn't think of it at the time but am not sure of the logistics of getting to Penn Station proper from this new station." When you are in Moynihan and facing the 8th Av side, there is an escalator just before the 8th Av & 33rd St exit (there is also an elevator somewhere near there). You take the escalator down to the lower mezzanine then go to the left (and around all the wide support pillars), you will then see a ramp going downward. Take that ramp, walk past the turnstiles for the A train and then go up the ramp on the other side. You will then be in Penn Station proper on the LIRR level (with more places to eat). You you continue walking toward 7th Av you will see the LIRR ticket window area (there is also one in Moynihan). If you want go up to the upper mezzanine an the old Amtrak waiting area, when you go up the ramp into Penn there is a staircase on the right a short distance from the top of the ramp. To the left of those stairs is the "Exit" Corridor, if you walk along that corridor you'll find escalators around mid-way along the length of that corridor. The first will be coming down from the upper level, a bit further is the escalator going up to the upper level (this will leave you in the old Amtrak/NJ Transit waiting area which many people still prefer to use). Also in this corridor by track 7 there is an elevator which will go down to track level or UP to the upper level. There is also another set of escalators to the upper level at the far right of the new long escalators to the street at the 7th Av side. Of curse the other option is to go outside, cross 8th Av to the other side (by Madison Square Garden) and then enter Penn Station. If you are on a platform, look for the signs showing "to 7th Av" (or some terminology to that effect). Platform stairs/escalators located around the middle and toward 7th Av end of the platform will go up to Penn Station. Stairs at the 8th Av end of the platform will go up into Moynihan. |
Sorry it took so long to do a recap, but I had some sewing to do!
Here is a cost breakdown:
Rereading, I didn't thank schmerl (and others?) nor answer dfrostnh's query. So thanks to All, and here's the finished tablecloth and napkin: https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...fda34608e8.jpg Thanks for coming along. |
And OMGosh, thanks for Amtrak station info. 44Trav, I just didn't have the time to wait for the branzino, or it would have been my choice. 🍷
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What a lovely table! I love the fabric. I would have been so overwhelmed by the number of options I might have left with nothing. Thank you for your report. It sounds like a great trip.
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Thanks, gomiki. There were many very helpful staff at Mood. One took my sample and returned with bolts. You definitely need muscles for this work.
In retrospect, that three-night trip cost more than Rhody and I typically spent on two weeks in Italy. |
Originally Posted by TDudette
(Post 17674270)
Sorry it took so long to do a recap, but I had some sewing to do!
Here is a cost breakdown:
Rereading, I didn't thank schmerl (and others?) nor answer dfrostnh's query. So thanks to All, and here's the finished tablecloth and napkin: https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...fda34608e8.jpg Thanks for coming along. youre a travel warrior queen. |
Bless you, dfrosty! There were two levels of fabrics. Mood also has an active online presence.
More people are sewing, but Joann fabrics couldn't make it in time to take advantage. |
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